Explore evidence-based programs than have been proven to help older adults reduce their risk of falling. View the Falls Prevention Programs: Saving Lives, Saving Money infographic for information on the impact of falls among older adults and the benefits and return on investment of evidence-based falls prevention programs.

Learn about Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs

A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance is an 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

FallsTalk

FallsTalk is an individual program for anyone who has experienced a fall or regular loss of balance; regardless of walking ability, medical condition, mobility or fitness level. The program begins with a personal FallsTalk Interview in-home or community space to discuss their unique situation. The intervention consists of initial and follow-up interviews with a trained facilitator, daily personal reflection (2-3 min.), 3 brief weekly and then monthly check-in calls. Clinical trials and community results provide evidence that FallsTalk significantly reduces falls compared to untreated fallers.

FallScape

FallScape is a customized program for anyone who has experienced a fall or regular loss of balance; regardless of walking ability, medical condition, mobility, cognitive or fitness level. FallScape consists of one or two training sessions with a set of brief (less than 1 min.) multimedia vignettes that are selected specifically to help an individual prevent falls in their own unique situation. FallScape is offered in-home or community space in conjunction with FallsTalk. Research shows that Participants achieve maximum benefit with the addition of this multimedia training.

The Otago Exercise Program

The Otago Exercise Program is a series of 17 strength and balance exercises delivered by a Physical Therapist in the home that reduces falls between 35 and 40% for frail older adults. This evidence-based program calls for Physical Therapists to assess, coach and progress patients over the course of six months to one year.

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling. The entire curriculum of activities in the SAIL program can help improve strength and balance, if done regularly. SAIL is offered 3 times a week in a one hour class. SAIL exercises can be done standing or sitting. The primary target audience is community-dwelling older adults (65+) and people with a history of falls. The SAIL program is able to accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty (e.g. people who are occasional cane users).

Stepping On

About 30% of older people who fall lose their self-confidence and start to go out less often. Inactivity leads to social isolation and loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing the risk of falling. Stepping On aims to break that cycle, engaging people in a range of relevant falls prevention strategies.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Many studies have shown Tai Chi to be one of the most effective exercises for preventing falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps people with arthritis to improve all muscular strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, and more.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ is an evidence-based falls prevention program delivered in two one-hour sessions each week for 24 weeks. Each session consists of warm-up exercises; core practices, which include a mix of practice of forms, variations of forms, and mini-therapeutic movements; and brief cool-down exercises.